Ethylene-based polymer composition containing a triorganophosphine

ABSTRACT

The composition includes: (i) an ethylene-based polymer; (ii) an organic peroxide, (iii) a triorganophosphine, and (iv) a protic acid-source compound (“PASC”) selected from a protic acid, a protic acid-generator compound (“PAGC”), and combinations thereof. The triorganophosphine has the Structure (1): 
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
         
         
           
             wherein R 1 , R 2 , and R 3  each is independently selected from a C 1 -C 40  hydrocarbyl group, a C 1 -C 40  heterohydrocarbyl group, and combinations thereof; 
             with the proviso that the phosphorus atom is bound to a carbon atom in each of R 1 , R 2 , and R 3 .

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to crosslinkable compositions and coatedconductors including the same.

SUMMARY

Crosslinkable compositions containing an ethylene-based polymer and anorganic peroxide are frequently used to form coatings, and particularlyinsulation or jacket layers, for wires and cables. However, protic acidsthat can be contained in or generated from additives such asantioxidants in crosslinkable compositions are known to cause prematuredecomposition of the organic peroxide via a pathway that isnonproductive for crosslinking the crosslinkable composition. That is,as the composition is stored over time, or as the composition isextruded onto a conductor, the organic peroxide decomposes in an ionicpathway that does not lead to the desired free radical crosslinkingreaction. Without retaining a sufficient amount of organic peroxide inthe composition during storage and extrusion, the composition cannotcrosslink during a subsequent continuous vulcanization step that occursafter extrusion to make a coated conductor, making the coated conductorunsuitable for wire and cable applications.

We recognize the need for a coating composition containing anethylene-based polymer, an organic peroxide, and a protic acid sourcecompound that is suitable for wire and cable applications. We furtherrecognize the need for a coating composition containing anethylene-based polymer, an organic peroxide, and a protic acid sourcecompound that prevents, or slows, the ionic decomposition of the organicperoxide during storage or at extrusion temperatures of about 140° C. orless, such that the composition retains a suitable amount of organicperoxide to subsequently enable crosslinking of the coating compositionduring continuous vulcanization (at temperatures greater than about 140°C.).

The present disclosure provides a composition. The composition includes:(i) an ethylene-based polymer; (ii) an organic peroxide, (iii) atriorganophosphine, and (iv) a protic acid-source compound (“PASC”)selected from a protic acid, a protic acid-generator compound (“PAGC”),and combinations thereof. The triorganophosphine has the Structure (1):

-   -   wherein R¹, R², and R³ each is independently selected from a        C₁-C₄₀ hydrocarbyl group, a C₁-C₄₀ heterohydrocarbyl group, and        combinations thereof;    -   with the proviso that the phosphorus atom is bound to a carbon        atom in each of R¹, R², and R³.

The present disclosure also provides a crosslinked product made byheating the composition to a temperature sufficient to crosslink thecomposition. The crosslinked product may be a coating on a conductor.

Definitions

Any reference to the Periodic Table of Elements is that as published byCRC Press, Inc., 1990-1991. Reference to a group of elements in thistable is by the new notation for numbering groups.

For purposes of United States patent practice, the contents of anyreferenced patent, patent application or publication are incorporated byreference in their entirety (or its equivalent US version is soincorporated by reference) especially with respect to the disclosure ofdefinitions (to the extent not inconsistent with any definitionsspecifically provided in this disclosure) and general knowledge in theart.

The numerical ranges disclosed herein include all values from, andincluding, the lower and upper value. For ranges containing explicitvalues (e.g., a range from 1, or 2, or 3 to 5, or 6, or 7), any subrangebetween any two explicit values is included (e.g., the range 1-7 aboveincludes subranges 1 to 2; 2 to 6; 5 to 7; 3 to 7; 5 to 6; etc.).

Unless stated to the contrary, implicit from the context, or customaryin the art, all parts and percents are based on weight and all testmethods are current as of the filing date of this disclosure.

Any examples disclosed herein are nonlimiting.

“Alkyl” and “alkyl group” refer to a saturated linear, cyclic, orbranched hydrocarbon group.

“Alphα-olefin,” “α-olefin” and like terms refer to a hydrocarbonmolecule or a substituted hydrocarbon molecule (i.e., a hydrocarbonmolecule comprising one or more atoms other than hydrogen and carbon,e.g., halogen, oxygen, nitrogen, etc.), the hydrocarbon moleculecomprising (i) only one ethylenic unsaturation, this unsaturationlocated between the first and second carbon atoms, and (ii) at least 2carbon atoms, or 3 to 20 carbon atoms, or 4 to 10 carbon atoms, or 4 to8 carbon atoms. Examples of α-olefins include ethylene, propylene,1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-octene, 1-dodecene, and mixtures of twoor more of these monomers.

“Antioxidant” refers to types or classes of chemical compounds that arecapable of being used to minimize the oxidation that can occur duringthe processing of polymers.

“Blend,” “polymer blend” and like terms refer to a composition of two ormore polymers. Such a blend may or may not be miscible. Such a blend mayor may not be phase separated. Such a blend may or may not contain oneor more domain configurations, as determined from transmission electronspectroscopy, light scattering, x-ray scattering, and any other methodused to measure and/or identify domain configurations.

A “cable” is at least one conductor, e.g., wire, optical fiber, etc.,within a protective insulation, jacket, sheath. A cable may be two ormore wires or two or more optical fibers bound together in a commonprotective jacket or sheath. Combination cables may contain bothelectrical wires and optical fibers. The individual wires or fibersinside the jacket or sheath may be bare, covered or insulated. Typicalcable designs are illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,246,783; 6,496,629;and 6,714,707. The cable can be designed for low, medium, and/or highvoltage applications.

“Carboxylic acid” is an organic acid containing a carboxyl group(—COOH).

The term “composition” refers to a mixture of materials which comprisethe composition, as well as reaction products and decomposition productsformed from the materials of the composition.

The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and their derivatives,are not intended to exclude the presence of any additional component,step or procedure, whether or not the same is specifically disclosed. Inorder to avoid any doubt, all compositions claimed through use of theterm “comprising” may include any additional additive, adjuvant, orcompound, whether polymeric or otherwise, unless stated to the contrary.In contrast, the term “consisting essentially of” excludes from thescope of any succeeding recitation any other component, step, orprocedure, excepting those that are not essential to operability. Theterm “consisting of” excludes any component, step, or procedure notspecifically delineated or listed. The term “or,” unless statedotherwise, refers to the listed members individually as well as in anycombination. Use of the singular includes use of the plural and viceversa.

A “conductor” is one or more wire(s), or one or more fiber(s), forconducting heat, light, and/or electricity at any voltage (DC, AC, ortransient). The conductor may be a single-wire/fiber or amulti-wire/fiber and may be in strand form or in tubular form.Non-limiting examples of suitable conductors include carbon and variousmetals, such as silver, gold, copper, and aluminum. The conductor mayalso be optical fiber made from either glass or plastic. The conductormay or may not be disposed in a protective sheath. The conductor may bea single cable or a plurality of cables bound together (i.e., a cablecore, or a core).

“Crosslinkable” and “curable” indicate that a polymer, before or aftershaped into an article, is not cured or crosslinked and has not beensubjected or exposed to treatment that has induced substantialcrosslinking even though the polymer may comprise additive(s) orfunctionality that will effectuate substantial crosslinking uponsubjection or exposure to such treatment (e.g., exposure to heat).Crosslinkability of a polymer or composition may be assessed by testingin a Moving Die Rheometer (MDR) at elevated temperatures, and measuringthe changes in elastic torque.

“Crosslinked” and similar terms indicate that a polymer composition,before or after it is shaped into an article, has xylene or decalinextractables of less than or equal to 90 weight percent (i.e., greaterthan or equal to 10 weight percent gel content).

“Cured” and similar terms indicate that a polymer, before or after it isshaped into an article, was subjected or exposed to a treatment whichinduced crosslinking.

An “ethylene-based polymer,” “ethylene polymer,” or “polyethylene” is apolymer that contains equal to or greater than 50 wt %, or a majorityamount of polymerized ethylene based on the weight of the polymer, and,optionally, may comprise one or more comonomers. The generic term“ethylene-based polymer” thus includes ethylene homopolymer and ethyleneinterpolymer. A suitable comonomer is an alpha-olefin. “Ethylene-basedpolymer” and the term “polyethylene” are used interchangeably. Examplesof ethylene-based polymer (polyethylene) include low densitypolyethylene (LDPE) and linear polyethylene. Examples of linearpolyethylene include linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), ultra lowdensity polyethylene (ULDPE), very low density polyethylene (VLDPE),multi-component ethylene-based copolymer (EPE), ethylene/α-olefinmulti-block copolymers (also known as olefin block copolymer (OBC)),single-site catalyzed linear low density polyethylene (m-LLDPE),substantially linear, or linear, plastomers/elastomers, medium densitypolyethylene (MDPE), and high density polyethylene (HDPE). Generally,polyethylene may be produced in gas-phase, fluidized bed reactors,liquid phase slurry process reactors, or liquid phase solution processreactors, using a heterogeneous catalyst system, such as Ziegler-Nattacatalyst, a homogeneous catalyst system, comprising Group 4 transitionmetals and ligand structures such as metallocene, non-metallocenemetal-centered, heteroaryl, heterovalent aryloxyether, phosphinimine,and others. Combinations of heterogeneous and/or homogeneous catalystsalso may be used in either single reactor or dual reactorconfigurations. Polyethylene may also be produced in a high pressurereactor without a catalyst.

An “ethylene/α-olefin polymer” is an polymer that contains a majorityamount of polymerized ethylene, based on the weight of the polymer, andone or more α-olefin comonomers.

“Ethylene multi-block interpolymer,” “ethylene multi-block copolymer,”(or “OBC”) and like terms refer to an ethylene-based polymer comprisingtwo or more chemically distinct regions or segments (referred to as“blocks”) preferably joined in a linear manner, that is, a polymercomprising chemically differentiated units which are joined end-to-endwith respect to polymerized ethylenic functionality, rather than inpendent or grafted fashion. In a preferred embodiment, the blocks differin the amount or type of incorporated comonomer, density, amount ofcrystallinity, crystallite size attributable to a polymer of suchcomposition, type or degree of tacticity (isotactic or syndiotactic),regio-regularity or regio-irregularity, amount of branching (includinglong chain branching or hyper-branching), homogeneity or any otherchemical or physical property. Compared to block copolymers of the priorart, including copolymers produced by sequential monomer addition,fluxional catalysts, or anionic polymerization techniques, themulti-block copolymers are characterized by unique distributions of bothpolymer polydispersity (PDI or M_(w)/M_(n) or MWD), block lengthdistribution, and/or block number distribution, due, in a preferredembodiment, to the effect of the shuttling agent(s) in combination withmultiple catalysts used in their preparation. Representative ethylenemulti-block interpolymers include the ethylene multi-block interpolymersmanufactured and sold by The Dow Chemical Company under the trademarkINFUSE™.

“Ethylene plastomers/elastomers” are substantially linear, or linear,ethylene/α-olefin copolymers containing homogeneous short-chainbranching distribution comprising units derived from ethylene and unitsderived from at least one C3-C10 α-olefin comonomer, or at least oneC4-C8 α-olefin comonomer, or at least one C6-C8 α-olefin comonomer.Ethylene plastomers/elastomers have a density from 0.870 g/cc, or 0.880g/cc, or 0.890 g/cc to 0.900 g/cc, or 0.902 g/cc, or 0.904 g/cc, or0.909 g/cc, or 0.910 g/cc, or 0.917 g/cc. Examples of ethyleneplastomers/elastomers include AFFINITY′″ plastomers and elastomers(available from The Dow Chemical Company), EXACT′″ Plastomers (availablefrom ExxonMobil Chemical), Tafmer™ (available from Mitsui), Nexlene™(available from SK Chemicals Co.), and Lucene™ (available LG Chem Ltd.).

“Functional group” and like terms refer to a moiety or group of atomsresponsible for giving a particular compound its characteristicreactions. Examples of functional groups include heteroatom-containingmoieties, oxygen-containing moieties (e.g., hydrolysable silane,alcohol, aldehyde, ester, ether, ketone, and peroxide groups), andnitrogen-containing moieties (e.g., amide, amine, azo, imide, imine,nitrate, nitrile, and nitrite groups).

A “heteroatom” is an atom other than carbon or hydrogen. The heteroatomcan be a non-carbon atom from Groups IV, V, VI and VII of the PeriodicTable. Examples of heteroatoms include: F, N, O, P, B, S, and Si.

“High density polyethylene” (or “HDPE”) is an ethylene homopolymer or anethylene/α-olefin copolymer with at least one C4-C10 α-olefin comonomer,or C4 α-olefin comonomer and a density from greater than 0.94 g/cc, or0.945 g/cc, or 0.95 g/cc, or 0.955 g/cc to 0.96 g/cc, or 0.97 g/cc, or0.98 g/cc. The HDPE can be a monomodal copolymer or a multimodalcopolymer. A “monomodal ethylene copolymer” is an ethylene/C₄-C₁₀α-olefin copolymer that has one distinct peak in a gel permeationchromatography (GPC) showing the molecular weight distribution. A“multimodal ethylene copolymer” is an ethylene/C₄-C₁₀ α-olefin copolymerthat has at least two distinct peaks in a GPC showing the molecularweight distribution. Multimodal includes copolymer having two peaks(bimodal) as well as copolymer having more than two peaks. Examples ofHDPE include DOW™ High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins (availablefrom The Dow Chemical Company), ELITE™ Enhanced Polyethylene Resins(available from The Dow Chemical Company), CONTINUUM™ BimodalPolyethylene Resins (available from The Dow Chemical Company), LUPOLEN™(available from LyondellBasell), as well as HDPE products from Borealis,lneos, and ExxonMobil.

The terms “hydrocarbyl group” and “hydrocarbon” refer to substituentscontaining only hydrogen and carbon atoms, including branched orunbranched, saturated or unsaturated, cyclic, polycyclic or noncyclicspecies. Examples include alkyl-, cycloalkyl-, alkenyl-, alkadienyl-,cycloalkenyl-, cycloalkadienyl-, aryl-, and alkynyl-groups. The term“heterohydrocarbyl group” refers to substituents containing hydrogenatoms, carbon atoms, and heteroatoms, including branched or unbranched,saturated or unsaturated, cyclic, polycyclic or noncyclic species.

A “jacket” is an outermost coating on the conductor.

“Linear low density polyethylene” (or “LLDPE”) is a linearethylene/α-olefin copolymer containing heterogeneous short-chainbranching distribution comprising units derived from ethylene and unitsderived from at least one C₃-C₁₀ α-olefin comonomer or at least oneC₄-C₈ α-olefin comonomer, or at least one C₆-C₈ α-olefin comonomer.LLDPE is characterized by little, if any, long chain branching, incontrast to conventional LDPE. LLDPE has a density from 0.916 g/cc to0.925 g/cc. Examples of LLDPE include TUFLIN™ linear low densitypolyethylene resins (available from The Dow Chemical Company), DOWLEX™polyethylene resins (available from the Dow Chemical Company), MARLEX™polyethylene (available from Chevron Phillips), and AXELERON™ GP 6059CPD (available from The Dow Chemical Company).

“Low density polyethylene” (or “LDPE”) is an ethylene homopolymer, or anethylene/α-olefin copolymer comprising at least one C₃-C₁₀ α-olefin, ora C₃-C₄ α-olefin, that has a density from 0.915 g/cc to 0.925 g/cc andcontains long chain branching with broad MWD. LDPE is typically producedby way of high pressure free radical polymerization (tubular reactor orautoclave with free radical initiator). Examples of LDPE includeMarFlex™ (Chevron Phillips), LUPOLEN™ (LyondellBasell), as well as LDPEproducts from Borealis, Ineos, ExxonMobil, and others.

“Medium density polyethylene” (or “MDPE”) is an ethylene homopolymer, oran ethylene/α-olefin copolymer comprising at least one C₃-C₁₀ α-olefin,or a C₃-C₄α-olefin, that has a density from 0.926 g/cc to 0.940 g/cc.Examples of suitable MDPE include AXELERON™ FO 6548 BK CPD, AXELERON™ FO6549 NT CPD, AXELERON™ FO 8864 NT CPD, and AXELERON™ FO 8864 BK CPD,each available from The Dow Chemical Company.

“Multi-component ethylene-based copolymer” (or “EPE”) comprises unitsderived from ethylene and units derived from at least one C3-C10α-olefin comonomer, or at least one C4-C8 α-olefin comonomer, or atleast one C6-C8 α-olefin comonomer, such as described in patentreferences U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,111,023; 5,677,383; and 6,984,695. EPEresins have a density from 0.905 g/cc, or 0.908 g/cc, or 0.912 g/cc, or0.920 g/cc to 0.926 g/cc, or 0.929 g/cc, or 0.940 g/cc, or 0.962 g/cc.Examples of EPE resins include ELITE′″ enhanced polyethylene (availablefrom The Dow Chemical Company), ELITE AT™ advanced technology resins(available from The Dow Chemical Company), SURPASS™ Polyethylene (PE)Resins (available from Nova Chemicals), and SMART′″ (available from SKChemicals Co.).

An “olefin-based polymer” or “polyolefin” is a polymer that containsequal to or greater than 50 wt %, or a majority amount of polymerizedolefin monomer (based on the weight of the polymer), and optionally, maycontain at least one comonomer. Examples of α-olefin monomer include C₂,or C₃ to C₄, or C₆, or C₈, or Cm, or C₁₂, or Cm, or C₁₈, or C₂₀α-olefins, such as ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, 1-hexene,4-methyl-1-pentene, and 1-octene. Examples of an olefin-based polymerinclude an ethylene-based polymer and a propylene-based polymer.

A “polymer” is a polymeric compound prepared by polymerizing monomers,whether of the same or a different type. The generic term polymer thusembraces the term “homopolymer” (employed to refer to polymers preparedfrom only one type of monomer, with the understanding that trace amountsof impurities can be incorporated into the polymer structure), and theterm “interpolymer,” which includes copolymers (employed to refer topolymers prepared from two different types of monomers), terpolymers(employed to refer to polymers prepared from three different types ofmonomers), and polymers prepared from more than three different types ofmonomers. Trace amounts of impurities, for example, catalyst residues,may be incorporated into and/or within the polymer. It also embraces allforms of copolymer, e.g., random, block, etc. The terms“ethylene/α-olefin polymer” and “propylene/α-olefin polymer” areindicative of copolymer as described above prepared from polymerizingethylene or propylene respectively and one or more additional,polymerizable α-olefin comonomers. It is noted that although a polymeris often referred to as being “made of” one or more specified monomers,“based on” a specified monomer or monomer type, “containing” a specifiedmonomer content, or the like, in this context the term “monomer” refersto the polymerized remnant of the specified monomer and not to theunpolymerized species. In general, polymers herein are referred to hasbeing based on “units” that are the polymerized form of a correspondingmonomer.

A “sheath” is a generic term and when used in relation to cables, itincludes insulation coverings or layers, protective jackets and thelike.

“Ultra low density polyethylene” (or “ULDPE”) and “very low densitypolyethylene” (or “VLDPE”) each is a linear ethylene/α-olefin copolymercontaining heterogeneous short-chain branching distribution comprisingunits derived from ethylene and units derived from at least one C₃-C₁₀α-olefin comonomer, or at least one C₄-C₈ α-olefin comonomer, or atleast one C₆-C₈ α-olefin comonomer. ULDPE and VLDPE each has a densityfrom 0.885 g/cc, or 0.90 g/cc to 0.915 g/cc. Examples of ULDPE and VLDPEinclude ATTANE™ ultra low density polyethylene resins (available formThe Dow Chemical Company) and FLEXOMER™ very low density polyethyleneresins (available from The Dow Chemical Company).

A “wire” is a single strand of conductive metal, e.g., copper oraluminum, or a single strand of optical fiber.

Test Methods

Density is measured in accordance with ASTM D792, Method B. The resultis recorded in grams (g) per cubic centimeter (g/cc or g/cm³).

Melting Point (Tm) is measured by the Differential Scanning calorimetry(DSC) technique for measuring the melting peaks of polyolefins asdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,783,638. The melting point is reported indegrees Celsius (° C.).

Retained Peroxide Percentage

The “Retained Peroxide Percentage” is the amount of organic peroxidepresent in the composition after exposure to 100° C. for a period oftime (0.5 hours, 1.0 hours, 1.5 hours, or 2.0 hours), compared to theamount of organic peroxide present in the same composition after it isconditioned at 100° C. fora period of 2 minutes (i.e., the initialperoxide amount, before significant decomposition of organic peroxideoccurs).

A sample solution containing dicumyl peroxide (DCP), dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DBSA), a triorganophosphine, and dodecane (to simulatethe ethylene-based polymer) is formed in a 6 dram glass vial. Thesolution is stirred with a magnetic stir bar.

The glass vials are immersed in a well-stirred (500 rpm) bath of siliconoil maintained at a temperature of 100° C. on a stirring hot plate. Thesample solution is heated to a temperature of 100° C., and maintained at100° C., while mixing, for a period of 2.0 minutes, 0.5 hours, 1.0hours, 1.5 hours, and 2.0 hours. The sample solution is heated in theglass vial without a cap or lid (in other words, the sample solution isexposed to the atmosphere while heating).

Then, the sample solution is analyzed after time periods of 2 minutes,0.5 hours, 1.0 hours, 1.5 hours, and 2.0 hours at 100° C., to determinethe concentration or amount of DCP. A 600 ul aliquot is taken from eachglass vial and placed in a 1.5 mL mini centrifuge tube, cooled in an icebath for 7-10 minutes, and centrifuged in a VWR Galaxy Mini Centrifuge,Model C1413, at an rpm of 6,000. Then, a 350 μl clear fraction is takenfrom each aliquot and combined with 700 μl of i-propanol and analyzedwith liquid chromatography to determine the concentration of DCP presentin the fraction. The amount of DCP is reported in units of wt % or mol%, and then converted to Retained Peroxide Percentage. The amount of DCPin the sample solution measured after 2 minutes at 100° C. is referredto as the initial DCP amount.

The Retained Peroxide Percentage is calculated in accordance with thefollowing Equation (1):

$\begin{matrix}{{{Retained}{Peroxide}{Percentage}(\%)} = {\left( \frac{\begin{matrix}{{wt}\%{Peroxide}} \\{{{at}{time}} = {t{hours}}}\end{matrix}}{\begin{matrix}{{wt}\%{Peroxide}} \\{{{at}{time}} = {2\min}}\end{matrix}} \right) \times 100}} & {{Equation}(1)}\end{matrix}$

-   -   wherein t=0.5 hours, 1.0 hours, 1.5 hours, or 2.0 hours.        Retained Maximum Torque (MH)

Retained Maximum Torque (MH) is an indication of the ultimate degree ofcrosslinking (an indication of the amount of peroxide that is present).MH is determined as follows. Moving Die Rheometer (MDR) analyses areperformed on compounds using Alpha Technologies Rheometer MDR model 2000unit. The test is based on ASTM procedure D 5289, “Standard Test Methodfor Rubber—Property Vulcanization Using Rotorless Cure Meters”. The MDRanalyses are performed using 4-5 grams of material (the compounds inTable 5) at time intervals (t) of t at 0 hours and t at 21 days. Samplesare tested at 180° C. or 182° C. for 20 minutes, or at 140° C. for up to120 minutes, at 0.5 degrees arc oscillation for both temperatureconditions. The compounds that are tested contain all necessaryadditives, including the crosslinking agents (such as an organicperoxide).

The Retained MH Percentage is calculated in accordance with thefollowing Equation (2):

$\begin{matrix}{{{Retained}{MH}{Percentage}(\%)} = {\left( \frac{\begin{matrix}{{{MH}{at}{time}} =} \\{t21{days}}\end{matrix}}{\begin{matrix}{{{MH}{at}{time}} =} \\{t0{hr}}\end{matrix}} \right) \times 100}} & {{Equation}(2)}\end{matrix}$

-   -   wherein t=21 days at 70° C.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides a composition suitable for wire andcable applications. The composition includes: (i) an ethylene-basedpolymer; (ii) an organic peroxide, (iii) a triorganophosphine, and (iv)a protic acid-source compound (“PASC”) selected from a protic acid, aprotic acid-generator compound (“PAGC”), and combinations thereof. Thetriorganophosphine has the Structure (1):

-   -   wherein R¹, R², and R³ each is independently selected from a        C₁-C₄₀ hydrocarbyl group, a C₁-C₄₀ heterohydrocarbyl group, and        combinations thereof;    -   with the proviso that the phosphorus atom is bound to a carbon        atom in each of R¹, R², and R³.

In an embodiment, the composition includes (i) an ethylene-basedpolymer; (ii) an organic peroxide, (iii) a triorganophosphine, and (iv)a PASC selected from the group consisting of a protic acid, a PAGC, andcombinations thereof; and (v) optionally, an additive.

i. Ethylene-Based Polymer

The present composition includes an ethylene-based polymer.

The ethylene-based polymer may be any ethylene-based polymer disclosedherein.

The ethylene-based polymer may be an ethylene homopolymer or an ethyleneinterpolymer. Examples of ethylene-based polymer include LDPE and linearpolyethylene. Examples of linear polyethylene include LLDPE, ULDPE,VLDPE, multi-component ethylene-based copolymer (EPE), ethylene/α-olefinmulti-block copolymers (also known as olefin block copolymer (OBC)),single-site catalyzed linear low density polyethylene (m-LLDPE),substantially linear, or linear, plastomers/elastomers, MDPE, and HDPE.In an embodiment, the ethylene-based polymer is selected from LDPE,LLDPE, ULDPE, VLDPE, EPE, OBC, m-LLDPE, substantially linear, or linear,plastomers/elastomers, MDPE, HDPE, and combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the ethylene-based polymer is an ethylene/α-olefincopolymer. In a further embodiment, the ethylene/α-olefin copolymer isan ethylene/C₃-C₂₀ α-olefin, or an ethylene/C₃-C₁₀ α-olefin, or anethylene/C₄-C₁₀ α-olefin, or an ethylene/C₄-C₈ α-olefin. Examples ofsuitable α-olefins include 1-butene, 1-hexene, and 1-octene.

In an embodiment, the ethylene-based polymer is void of, orsubstantially void of, styrene.

In an embodiment, the ethylene/α-olefin copolymer consists of theethylene, and a C₄-C₈ α-olefin comonomer. In other words, theethylene/C₄-C₈ α-olefin copolymer contains the ethylene and C₄-C₈α-olefin comonomer as the only monomeric units.

The ethylene-based polymer may or may not be functionalized. A“functionalized ethylene-based polymer” includes a functional group. Inan embodiment, the functional group is grafted pendant to the polymerchain. The functional group may also be incorporated throughcopolymerization of a suitable monomer containing the desired functionalgroup. Examples of suitable functional groups include halo, particularlychloro and bromo, hydroxyl, carboxyl, carbonyl, phosphono, acidanhydride, amino, amine, imide, epoxy, mercapto, sulfate, sulfonate,amido, and ester groups. Examples of unsaturated carboxylic acid andacid anhydride compounds that can be grafted onto the preformedethylene-based polymer include maleic acid, fumaric acid, itaconic acid,acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, crotonic acid, maleic anhydride, anditaconic anhydride. In an embodiment, the functionalized ethylene-basedpolymer is a maleic-anhydride functionalized ethylene/α-olefininterpolymer. In a further embodiment, the functionalized ethylene-basedpolymer is a maleic-anhydride functionalized ethylene/octeneinterpolymer. The ethylene-based polymer may include one or more ofethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymer, ethylene-methyl acrylate copolymer,ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymer, ethylene-vinyl acrylate copolymer,ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer, ethylene-vinyl trimethoxysilanecopolymer, or other copolymers made in a high pressure reactor andcontaining from 0.2 wt % to less than 50 wt %, or 50 wt % comonomer.

In an embodiment, the ethylene-based polymer is not functionalized.

The ethylene-based polymer contains from 50 wt %, or 55 wt %, or 60 wt%, or 65 wt %, or 70 wt %, or 75 wt % to 80 wt %, or 85 wt %, or 90 wt%, or 95 wt %, or 100 wt % ethylene, based on the total weight of theethylene-based polymer.

In an embodiment, the ethylene-based polymer contains from 55 wt %, or60 wt %, or 65 wt %, or 70 wt %, or 75 wt % to 80 wt %, or 85 wt %, or90 wt %, or 95 wt % ethylene; and a reciprocal amount of α-olefincomonomer, or from 5 wt %, or 10 wt %, or 15 wt %, or 20 wt % to 25 wt%, or 30 wt %, or 35 wt %, or 40 wt %, or 45 wt % α-olefin comonomer,based on the total weight of the ethylene-based polymer.

The ethylene-based polymer may comprise two or more embodimentsdisclosed herein.

ii. Organic Peroxide

The present composition includes an organic peroxide. An “organicperoxide” is a compound containing at least one carbon atom having thefollowing Structure (2):R¹—O—O—R²  Structure (2)

-   -   wherein R¹ and R² each is independently selected from a C₁-C₄₀        hydrocarbyl group, a C₁-C₄₀ heterohydrocarbyl group, hydrogen,        and combinations thereof;    -   with the proviso that at least one of R¹ and R² is a C₁-C₄₀        hydrocarbyl group or a C₁-C₄₀ heterohydrocarbyl group.

Examples of suitable organic peroxides include dicumyl peroxide (DCP),lauryl peroxide, benzoyl peroxide, tertiary butyl perbenzoate,di(tertiary-butyl) peroxide, cumene hydroperoxide,2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(t-butyl-peroxy)hexyne-3,2,-5-di-methyl-2,5-di(t-butyl-peroxy)hexane, tertiary butylhydroperoxide, isopropyl percarbonate,alpha,alpha′-bis(tertiary-butylperoxy)diisopropylbenzene,t-butylperoxy-2-ethylhexyl-monocarbonate,1,1-bis(t-butylperoxy)-3,5,5-trimethyl cyclohexane,2,5-dimethyl-2,5-dihydroxyperoxide, t-butylcumylperoxide,alpha,alpha′-bis(t-butylperoxy)-p-diisopropyl benzene,di-(tert-butylperoxyisopropyl)benzene, tert-butyl cumyl peroxide,di-tert-butyl peroxide, and combinations thereof.

Non-limiting examples of suitable commercially available organicperoxides include TRIGONOX™ from AkzoNobel and LUPEROX™ from ARKEMA.

In an embodiment, the organic peroxide is selected from dicumyl peroxide(DCP); 2,-5-di-methyl-2,5-di(t-butyl-peroxy)hexane;di-(tert-butylperoxyisopropyl)benzene; tert-butyl cumyl peroxide;di-tert-butyl peroxide; and combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the organic peroxide is dicumyl peroxide (DCP).

In an embodiment, the peroxide is a dialkylperoxide. A “dialkylperoxide”is a compound having the following Structure (2A):R¹—O—O—R²  Structure (2A)

-   -   wherein R¹ and R² each is an alkyl group.

In an embodiment, R¹ and R² of Structure (2A) each is a C₁-C₂₀ alkylgroup, or a C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group.

Organic peroxide excludes organic hydroperoxide, which contains an —OOHgroup.

Organic peroxide excludes hydrogen peroxide, which has the formula H₂O₂,because hydrogen peroxide lacks carbon.

The organic peroxide may comprise two or more embodiments disclosedherein.

iii. Triorganophosphine

The present composition includes a triorganophosphine.

A “triorganophosphine” is a compound having the following Structure (1):

-   -   wherein R¹, R², and R³ each is independently selected from a        C₁-C₄₀ hydrocarbyl group, a C₁-C₄₀ heterohydrocarbyl group, and        combinations thereof;    -   with the proviso that the phosphorus atom is bound to a carbon        atom in each of R¹, R², and R³.

The triorganophosphine includes a phosphorous atom bonded to threecarbon atoms.

Triorganophosphine excludes di-phosphines that have a phosphorous atombonded to only two carbon atoms.

In an embodiment, the hydrocarbyl group of Structure (1) is a C₁-C₂₀hydrocarbyl group, or a C₁-C₁₀ hydrocarbyl group, or a C₂-C₈ hydrocarbylgroup, or a C₆-C₈ hydrocarbyl group. Examples of suitable C₁-C₄₀hydrocarbyl groups include phenyl groups, p-tolyl groups, cyclohexylgroups, n-octyl groups.

In an embodiment, the heterohydrocarbyl group of Structure (1) is aC₁-C₂₀ heterohydrocarbyl group, or a C₁-C₁₀ hydro heterohydrocarbylcarbonyl group, or a C₂-C₈ heterohydrocarbyl group, or a C₃-C₈heterohydrocarbyl group. An example of a suitable C₁-C₄₀heterohydrocarbyl group is a 2-furyl group.

In an embodiment, R¹, R², and R³ of Structure (1) each is independentlyselected from a C₆-C₈ hydrocarbyl group, a C₃-C₈ heterohydrocarbylgroup, and combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, R¹, R², and R³ of Structure (1) each is independentlyselected from a phenyl group, a p-tolyl group, a cyclohexyl group, ann-octyl group, and a 2-furyl group.

In an embodiment, R¹, R², and R³ of Structure (1) each is independentlyselected from a p-tolyl group, a cyclohexyl group, an n-octyl group, anda 2-furyl group.

In an embodiment, R¹, R², and R³ of Structure (1) each is independentlyselected from a phenyl group, a p-tolyl group, a cyclohexyl group, andan n-octyl group.

In Structure (1), R¹, R², and R³ may be the same or different. In anembodiment, R¹, R², and R³ are the same. In another embodiment, at leasttwo, or each of R¹, R², and R³ are different.

In an embodiment, R¹, R², and R³ each is a phenyl group. Thetriorganophosphine is triphenylphosphine.

In an embodiment, R¹, R², and R³ each is a p-tolyl group. Thetriorganophosphine is tri(p-tolyl)phosphine.

In an embodiment, R¹, R², and R³ each is a cyclohexyl group. Thetriorganophosphine is tri(cyclohexyl)phosphine.

In an embodiment, R¹, R², and R³ each is an n-octyl group. Thetriorganophosphine is tri(n-octyl)phosphine.

In an embodiment, R¹, R², and R³ each is a 2-furyl group. Thetriorganophosphine is tris(2-furyl)phosphine.

In an embodiment, the triorganophosphine is selected fromtriphenylphosphine, tri(p-tolyl)phosphine, tri(cyclohexyl)phosphine,tri(n-octyl)phosphine, tris(2-furyl)phosphine, and combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the triorganophosphine is selected fromtri(p-tolyl)phosphine, tri(cyclohexyl)phosphine, tri(n-octyl)phosphine,tris(2-furyl)phosphine, and combinations thereof.

The triorganophosphine may comprise two or more embodiments disclosedherein.

iv. Protic Acid-Source Compound

The present composition includes a protic acid-source compound.

A “protic acid source compound” (or “PASC”) is a protic acid, or aprotic acid-generator compound (“PAGC”).

A. Protic Acid

A “protic acid” is a substance that yields hydrogen ions (H⁺) underpolyolefin melt extrusion or other conditions and is capable of causingionic decomposition of organic peroxides instead of free radicaldecomposition. Protic acids exclude polyolefin-based radicals. Proticacids can act as proton donors, and can accept a pair of electrons toform a covalent bond. Examples of suitable protic acid includesulfur-based acid, carboxylic acid, phosphorus-based acid, andcombinations thereof.

A “sulfur-based acid” is an organic acid containing a sulfur atom.Examples of suitable sulfur-based acids include sulfonic acid, sulfenicacid, sulfinic acid, and combinations thereof.

A “sulfonic acid” is an organic acid containing a group of the followingStructure (3):

An example of a suitable sulfonic acid is dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid(DBSA).

A “sulfenic acid” is an organic acid containing a group of the followingStructure (4):—S—O—H  Structure (4).

An example of a suitable sulfenic acid is methanesulfenic acid.

A “sulfinic acid” is an organic acid containing a group of the followingStructure (5):

An example of a suitable sulfinic acid is phenylsulfinic acid.

A “phosphorus-based acid” is an organic acid containing a phosphorousatom. Examples of suitable phosphorous-based acid include phosphorousacid, phosphoric acid, and combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the protic acid is selected from sulfonic acid,sulfenic acid, sulfinic acid, carboxylic acid, and combinations thereof.In a further embodiment, the protic acid is selected from sulfonic acid,sulfenic acid, sulfinic acid, and combinations thereof.

The protic acid may comprise two or more embodiments disclosed herein.

B. Protic Acid-Generator Compound

A “protic acid-generator compound” (or “PAGC”) is a substance that isnot a protic acid, but contains a functional group that reacts withoxygen and/or oxidation products (such as hydroperoxides) so as to beconverted to or to generate a protic acid during the formation, storage,processing, and/or extrusion of the present composition. The PAGC is alatent protic acid. During the formation (e.g., melt blending), storage,processing, and/or extrusion of the composition, the PAGC undergoes areaction or a series of reactions that yields a protic acid.

Examples of suitable PAGC include antioxidants (AO), additives, fillers,and combinations thereof. Examples of suitable antioxidants includephosphite antioxidants and sulfur-based antioxidants.

In an embodiment, the PAGC is a phosphite antioxidant. Phosphiteantioxidants and their oxidation products (phosphates) undergohydrolysis in use (as an antioxidant) and/or during processing to yielda phosphorus-based acid. Oxidation may occur before or after hydrolysis.An example of a suitable phosphite antioxidant istris(2,4-ditert-butlphenyl)phosphite, commercially available as IRGAFOS™168 from BASF Inc.

In an embodiment, the PAGC is a sulfur-based antioxidant. Sulfur-basedantioxidants oxidize during formation, storage, processing, and/orextrusion of the present composition. The oxidation product undergoesthermal cleavage to form a sulfur-based acid, such as sulfonic acid,sulfenic acid, sulfinic acid, and combinations thereof. The sulfur-basedacid may undergo further oxidation to form a sulfur-based acid with ahigher oxidation state. Examples of sulfur-based antioxidants includedistearyl thiodipropionate (DSTDP);4,4′-thiobis(2-t-butyl-5-methylphenol) (e.g., LOWINOX™ TBM-6, availablefrom Addivant Corporation); 2,2′-thiobis(6-t-butyl-4-methylphenol)(e.g., LOWINOX™ TBP-6, available from Addivant Corporation); andcombinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the PAGC is an ester additive. Esters can hydrolyzeduring use, processing, and/or storage to form carboxylic acids.Examples of suitable ester additive include pentaerythritoltetrakis(3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate (e.g., IRGANOX™1010, available from BASF);octadecyl-3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionate (e.g.,IRGANOX™ 1076, available from Ciba Inc.); and combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the PAGC is selected from a sulfur-based antioxidant,a phosphite antioxidant, an ester additive, and combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the PAGC is selected from a sulfur-based antioxidant,a phosphite antioxidant, and combinations thereof.

The PAGC may comprise two or more embodiments disclosed herein.

The present composition may include a PAGC (such as a sulfur-basedantioxidant) when the composition is formed, and will then include aprotic acid once the PAGC undergoes a reaction (such as oxidation) thatyields a protic acid (such as sulfonic acid, sulfenic acid, and/orsulfinic acid). At a single point in time, the composition may include(i) only the PAGC (and not the protic acid), (ii) a combination of boththe PAGC and the protic acid, or (iii) only the protic acid (and not thePAGC).

The PASC, and further the PAGC, is different than the ethylene-basedpolymer. In other words, the PASC, and further the PAGC, excludesethylene-based polymer and any oxidation reaction products from theethylene-based polymer.

The PASC may comprise two or more embodiments disclosed herein.

v. Optional Additive

The present composition may include one or more additives. Examples ofsuitable additives include antioxidants, colorants, corrosioninhibitors, lubricants, ultra violet (UV) absorbers or stabilizers,anti-blocking agents, coupling agents, compatibilizers, plasticizers,fillers, processing aids, moisture scavengers, scorch retardants, metaldeactivators, and combinations thereof.

The additive may comprise two or more embodiments disclosed herein.

vi. Composition

The present composition includes: (i) the ethylene-based polymer; (ii)the organic peroxide; (iii) the triorganophosphine; (iv) the PASCselected from a protic acid, a PAGC, and combinations thereof; and (v)optionally, an additive. The triorganophosphine has the Structure (1):

-   -   wherein R¹, R², and R³ each is independently selected from a        C₁-C₄₀ hydrocarbyl group, a C₁-C₄₀ heterohydrocarbyl group, and        combinations thereof;    -   with the proviso that the phosphorus atom is bound to a carbon        atom in each of R¹, R², and R³.

In an embodiment, the composition includes from 45 wt %, or 50 wt %, or55 wt %, or 60 wt %, or 65 wt %, or 70 wt % to 75 wt %, or 80 wt %, or85 wt %, or 90 wt %, or 95 wt %, or 97 wt %, or 99 wt %, or 99.96 wt %ethylene-based polymer, based on the total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment, the composition includes from 0.02 wt %, or 0.05 wt %,or 0.1 wt %, or 0.5 wt %, or 1 wt % to 2 wt %, or 3 wt %, or 4 wt %, or5 wt % organic peroxide, based on the total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment, the composition includes from 0.001 wt %, or 0.003 wt%, or 0.005 wt %, or 0.007 wt %, or 0.01 wt %, or 0.02 wt %, or 0.05 wt% to 0.10 wt %, or 0.20 wt %, or 0.30 wt %, or 0.40 wt %, or 0.50 wt %,or 0.60 wt %, or 0.70 wt %, or 0.80 wt %, or 0.90 wt %, or 1.00 wt %triorganophosphine, based on the total weight of the composition. In anembodiment, the composition incudes from 0.001 wt % to 1.00 wt %, orfrom 0.01 wt % to 0.50 wt %, or from 0.01 wt % to 0.10 wt %, or fromgreater than 0.001 wt % to 1.00 wt %, or from greater than 0.01 wt % to0.50 wt %, or from greater than 0.01 wt % to 0.10 wt %, or from 0.05 wt% to 0.50 wt %, or from 0.05 wt % to 0.10 wt % triorganophosphine, basedon the total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment, the composition includes from 0.001 mol %, or 0.002mol %, or 0.004 mol %, or 0.01 mol %, or 0.1 mol % to 0.4 mol %, or 0.5mol %, or 1.0 mol %, or 2.0 mol %, or 5.0 mol %, or 10 mol %, or 15 mol%, or 20 mol %, or 25 mol % triorganophosphine, based on the totalcomposition.

In an embodiment, the composition includes from 0.0001 wt %, or 0.001 wt%, or 0.01 wt %, or 0.05 wt %, or 0.1 wt %, or 0.5 wt %, or 1.0 wt %, or5 wt %, or 10 wt %, or 15 wt % to 20 wt %, or 25 wt %, or 30 wt %, or 35wt %, or 40 wt %, or 45 wt %, or 50 wt % PASC, based on the total weightof the composition.

In an embodiment, the composition includes from 0 wt %, or greater than0 wt %, or 0.001 wt %, or 0.002 wt %, or 0.005 wt %, or 0.006 wt % to0.007 wt %, or 0.008 wt %, or 0.009 wt %, or 0.01 wt %, or 0.1 wt %, or0.2 wt %, or 0.3 wt %, or 0.4 wt %, or 0.5 wt %, or 1.0 wt %, or 2.0 wt%, or 2.5 wt %, or 3.0 wt %, or 4.0 wt %, or 5.0 wt % to 6.0 wt %, or7.0 wt %, or 8.0 wt %, or 9.0 wt %, or 10.0 wt %, or 15.0 wt %, or 20.0wt % additive, based on the total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment, the composition has a Retained Peroxide Percentagefrom 2%, or 5%, or 8%, or 10%, or 15%, or 20%, or 25%, or 30%, or 35%,or 40%, or 45%, or 50%, or 55%, or 60%, or 65%, or 70%, or 75%, or 80%,or 85%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or 98% to 100% after heating at 100° C.for 2 hours. In a further embodiment the composition has a RetainedPeroxide Percentage from 2% to 100%, or from 5% to 100%, or from 10% to100%, or from 15% to 100%, or from 20% to 100%, or from 50% to 100%, orfrom 70% to 100%, or from 80% to 100%, or from 90% to 100%, or from 95%to 100%, or from 98% to 100% after heating at 100° C. for 2 hours. Notwishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that theinclusion of the triorganophosphine in the present composition prevents,or slows, the ionic decomposition of the organic peroxide conventionallycaused by the presence of protic acid in the composition. By stopping,or slowing the ionic decomposition of the organic peroxide during theformation, storage, processing, and/or extrusion of the presentcomposition, the triorganophosphine advantageously enables the retentionof the organic peroxide such that the organic peroxide is present andavailable for free-radical crosslinking after extrusion of the presentcomposition onto a conductor. Without sufficient retention of theorganic peroxide during the formation, storage, processing, and/orextrusion of the present composition, a coating formed from the presentcomposition would not crosslink after being extruded onto a conductor.

In an embodiment, the composition has a Retained Peroxide Percentagefrom 10%, or 15%, or 20%, or 25%, or 30%, or 35%, or 40%, or 45%, or50%, or 55%, or 60%, or 65%, or 70%, or 75%, or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or95%, or 97%, or 98% to 100% after heating at 100° C. for 1.5 hours.

In an embodiment, the composition has a Retained Peroxide Percentagefrom 20%, or 25%, or 30%, or 35%, or 40%, or 45%, or 50%, or 55%, or60%, or 65%, or 70%, or 75%, or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or98% to 100% after heating at 100° C. for 1.0 hours.

In an embodiment, the composition has a Retained Peroxide Percentagefrom 51%, or 53%, or 55%, or 60%, or 65%, or 70%, or 75%, or 80%, or85%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or 98% to 100% after heating at 100° C. for0.5 hours.

In an embodiment, the composition contains: (i) from 45 wt %, or 50 wt%, or 55 wt %, or 60 wt %, or 65 wt %, or 70 wt % to 75 wt %, or 80 wt%, or 85 wt %, or 90 wt %, or 95 wt %, or 97 wt %, or 99 wt %, or 99.96wt % ethylene-based polymer; (ii) from 0.02 wt %, or 0.05 wt %, or 0.1wt %, or 0.5 wt %, or 1 wt % to 2 wt %, or 3 wt %, or 4 wt %, or 5 wt %organic peroxide; (iii) from 0.001 wt %, or 0.003 wt %, or 0.005 wt %,or 0.007 wt %, or 0.01 wt %, or 0.05 wt %, or 0.1 wt %, or 0.2 wt %, or0.3 wt %, or 0.4 wt %, or 0.5 wt % to 0.6 wt %, or 0.7 wt %, or 0.8 wt%, or 0.9 wt %, or 1.0 wt % triorganophosphine; (iv) from 0.0001 wt %,or 0.001 wt %, or 0.01 wt %, or 0.05 wt %, or 0.1 wt %, or 0.5 wt %, or1.0 wt %, or 5 wt %, or 10 wt %, or 15 wt % to 20 wt %, or 25 wt %, or30 wt %, or 35 wt %, or 40 wt %, or 45 wt %, or 50 wt % PASC; (v) from 0wt %, or greater than 0 wt %, or 0.001 wt %, 0.005 wt %, or 0.01 wt %,or 0.1 wt %, or 0.5 wt %, or 1.0 wt %, or 2.0 wt %, or 3.0 wt %, or 4.0wt %, or 5.0 wt % to 6.0 wt %, or 7.0 wt %, or 8.0 wt %, or 9.0 wt %, or10.0 wt %, or 15.0 wt %, or 20.0 wt % additive, based on the totalweight of the composition; and the composition has one, some, or all, ofthe following properties: (a) a Retained Peroxide Percentage from 2%, or5%, or 8%, or 10%, or 15%, or 20%, or 25%, or 30%, or 35%, or 40%, or45%, or 50%, or 55%, or 60%, or 65%, or 70%, or 75%, or 80%, or 85%, or90%, or 95%, or 97%, or 98% to 100% after heating at 100° C. for 2hours; and/or (b) a Retained Peroxide Percentage from 10%, or 15%, or20%, or 25%, or 30%, or 35%, or 40%, or 45%, or 50%, or 55%, or 60%, or65%, or 70%, or 75%, or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or 98% to100% after heating at 100° C. for 1.5 hours; and/or (c) a RetainedPeroxide Percentage from 20%, or 25%, or 30%, or 35%, or 40%, or 45%, or50%, or 55%, or 60%, or 65%, or 70%, or 75%, or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or95%, or 97%, or 98% to 100% after heating at 100° C. for 1.0 hours;and/or (d) a Retained Peroxide Percentage from 51%, or 53%, or 55%, or60%, or 65%, or 70%, or 75%, or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or98% to 100% after heating at 100° C. for 0.5 hours.

In an embodiment, the composition contains: (i) from 45 wt %, or 50 wt%, or 55 wt %, or 60 wt %, or 65 wt %, or 70 wt % to 75 wt %, or 80 wt%, or 85 wt %, or 90 wt %, or 95 wt %, or 97 wt %, or 99 wt %, or 99.96wt % ethylene-based polymer; (ii) from 0.02 wt %, or 0.05 wt %, or 0.1wt %, or 0.5 wt %, or 1 wt % to 2 wt %, or 3 wt %, or 4 wt %, or 5 wt %organic peroxide; (iii) from 0.001 wt %, or 0.003 wt %, or 0.005 wt %,or 0.007 wt %, or 0.01 wt %, or 0.05 wt %, or 0.1 wt %, or 0.2 wt %, or0.3 wt %, or 0.4 wt %, or 0.5 wt % to 0.6 wt %, or 0.7 wt %, or 0.8 wt%, or 0.9 wt %, or 1.0 wt % triorganophosphine; (iv) from 0.0001 wt %,or 0.001 wt %, or 0.01 wt %, or 0.05 wt %, or 0.1 wt %, or 0.5 wt %, or1.0 wt %, or 5 wt %, or 10 wt %, or 15 wt % to 20 wt %, or 25 wt %, or30 wt %, or 35 wt %, or 40 wt %, or 45 wt %, or 50 wt % PASC selectedfrom a sulfonic acid, a sulfenic acid, a sulfinic acid, a sulfur-basedantioxidant, and combinations thereof; (v) from 0 wt %, or greater than0 wt %, or 0.001 wt %, 0.005 wt %, or 0.01 wt %, or 0.1 wt %, or 0.5 wt%, or 1.0 wt %, or 2.0 wt %, or 3.0 wt %, or 4.0 wt %, or 5.0 wt % to6.0 wt %, or 7.0 wt %, or 8.0 wt %, or 9.0 wt %, or 10.0 wt %, or 15.0wt %, or 20.0 wt % additive, based on the total weight of thecomposition; and the composition has one, some, or all, of the followingproperties: (a) a Retained Peroxide Percentage from 2%, or 5%, or 8%, or10%, or 15%, or 20%, or 25%, or 30%, or 35%, or 40%, or 45%, or 50%, or55%, or 60%, or 65%, or 70%, or 75%, or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 95%, or97%, or 98% to 100% after heating at 100° C. for 2 hours; and/or (b) aRetained Peroxide Percentage from 10%, or 15%, or 20%, or 25%, or 30%,or 35%, or 40%, or 45%, or 50%, or 55%, or 60%, or 65%, or 70%, or 75%,or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or 98% to 100% after heating at100° C. for 1.5 hours; and/or (c) a Retained Peroxide Percentage from20%, or 25%, or 30%, or 35%, or 40%, or 45%, or 50%, or 55%, or 60%, or65%, or 70%, or 75%, or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or 98% to100% after heating at 100° C. for 1.0 hours; and/or (d) a RetainedPeroxide Percentage from 51%, or 53%, or 55%, or 60%, or 65%, or 70%, or75%, or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or 98% to 100% afterheating at 100° C. for 0.5 hours.

In an embodiment, the composition contains from greater than 0.001 wt %,or 0.003 wt %, or 0.005 wt %, or 0.007 wt %, 0.009 wt %, or 0.01 wt %,0.04 wt %, or 0.05 wt %, or 0.09 wt %, or 0.10 wt % to 0.50 wt %, or 1.0wt % triorganophosphine, based on the total weight of the composition,and R¹, R², and R³ of Structure (1) each is a phenyl group. In anotherembodiment, the composition contains from greater than 0.001 wt % to 1.0wt %, or from greater than 0.005 wt % to 1.0 wt %, or from greater than0.01 wt % to 1.0 wt %, or from greater than 0.05 wt % to 1.0 wt %triorganophosphine, based on the total weight of the composition, andR¹, R², and R³ of Structure (1) each is a phenyl group. In anembodiment, the composition has a Retained Peroxide Percentage from 70%,or 80%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or 98%, or 98.2% to 100% after heatingat 100° C. for 2 hours.

In an embodiment, the composition contains from 0.001 wt %, or 0.003 wt%, or 0.005 wt %, or 0.007 wt %, or 0.01 wt %, or 0.05 wt % to 1.0 wt %triorganophosphine, based on the total weight of the composition, andR¹, R², and R³ each is a p-tolyl group. In an embodiment, thecomposition has a Retained Peroxide Percentage from 20%, or 25%, or 30%,or 50%, or 60%, or 70%, or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 91% to 100% afterheating at 100° C. for 2 hours.

In an embodiment, the composition contains from 0.001 wt %, or 0.003 wt%, or 0.005 wt %, or 0.007 wt %, or 0.01 wt %, or 0.05 wt % to 1.0 wt %triorganophosphine, based on the total weight of the composition, andR¹, R², and R³ each is a cyclohexyl group. In an embodiment, thecomposition has a Retained Peroxide Percentage from 10%, or 15%, or 20%,or 50%, or 60%, or 70%, or 80%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97% to 100% afterheating at 100° C. for 2 hours.

In an embodiment, the composition contains from 0.001 wt %, or 0.003 wt%, or 0.005 wt %, or 0.007 wt %, or 0.01 wt %, or 0.05 wt % to 1.0 wt %triorganophosphine, based on the total weight of the composition, andR¹, R², and R³ each is an n-octyl group. In an embodiment, thecomposition has a Retained Peroxide Percentage from 15%, or 20%, or 24%,or 30%, or 50%, or 60%, or 70%, or 80%, or 90%, or 95%, 98% to 100%after heating at 100° C. for 2 hours.

In an embodiment, the composition contains from 0.001 wt %, or 0.003 wt%, or 0.005 wt %, or 0.007 wt %, or 0.01 wt %, or 0.05 wt % to 1.0 wt %triorganophosphine, based on the total weight of the composition, andR¹, R², and R³ each is a 2-furyl group. In an embodiment, thecomposition has a Retained Peroxide Percentage from 2%, or 5%, or 6%, or7%, or 8%, or 10%, or 30%, or 50%, or 55%, or 59%, or 60%, or 62% to100% after heating at 100° C. for 2 hours.

In an embodiment, the composition contains:

-   -   (i) from 45 wt %, or 50 wt %, or 55 wt %, or 60 wt %, or 65 wt        %, or 70 wt % to 75 wt %, or 80 wt %, or 85 wt %, or 90 wt %, or        95 wt %, or 97 wt %, or 98 wt %, or 99 wt % ethylene-based        polymer;    -   (ii) from 0.02 wt %, or 0.05 wt %, or 0.1 wt %, or 0.5 wt %, or        1 wt % to 2 wt %, or 3 wt %, or 4 wt %, or 5 wt % organic        peroxide;    -   (iii) from 0.001 wt %, or 0.003 wt %, or 0.005 wt %, or 0.007 wt        %, or 0.01 wt %, or 0.05 wt %, or 0.1 wt %, or 0.2 wt %, or 0.3        wt %, or 0.4 wt %, or 0.5 wt % to 0.6 wt %, or 0.7 wt %, or 0.8        wt %, or 0.9 wt %, or 1.0 wt % triorganophosphine;    -   (iv) from 0.0001 wt %, or 0.001 wt %, or 0.01 wt %, or 0.05 wt        %, or 0.1 wt %, or 0.5 wt %, or 1.0 wt %, or 5 wt %, or 10 wt %,        or 15 wt % to 20 wt %, or 25 wt %, or 30 wt %, or 35 wt %, or 40        wt %, or 45 wt %, or 50 wt % PASC that is a PAGC;    -   (v) from 0 wt %, or greater than 0 wt %, or 0.001 wt %, 0.005 wt        %, or 0.01 wt %, or 0.1 wt %, or 0.5 wt %, or 1.0 wt %, or 2.0        wt %, or 3.0 wt %, or 4.0 wt %, or 5.0 wt % to 6.0 wt %, or 7.0        wt %, or 8.0 wt %, or 9.0 wt %, or 10.0 wt %, or 15.0 wt %, or        20.0 wt % additive, based on the total weight of the composition        wherein the aggregate of components (i)-(v) amount to 100 wt %;        and the composition has:    -   (a) a Retained MH from 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or        98% to 100% after heating at 70° C. for 21 days.

In an embodiment, the composition contains:

-   -   (i) from 95 wt %, or 96 wt %, or 97 wt %, to 98 wt %, or 99 wt %        ethylene-based polymer;    -   (ii) from 0.05 wt %, or 0.1 wt %, or 0.5 wt %, or 1 wt % to 2 wt        %, or 3 wt % or 4 wt %, or 5 wt %, organic peroxide;    -   (iii) from 0.003 wt %, or 0.005 wt %, or 0.007 wt %, or 0.01 wt        %, or 0.05 wt %, or 0.1 wt %, or 0.2 wt %, or 0.3 wt %, or 0.4        wt %, or 0.5 wt % to 0.6 wt %, or 0.7 wt %, triorganophosphine;    -   (iv) from 0.1 wt %, or 0.2 wt %, or 0.25 wt % to 0.3 wt %, or        0.4 wt %, or 0.5 wt % PAGC;    -   (v) from 0 wt %, or greater than 0 wt %, or 0.001 wt %, 0.005 wt        %, or 0.01 wt %, or 0.1 wt %, or 0.5 wt %, or 1.0 wt %,        additive, based on the total weight of the composition wherein        the aggregate of components (i)-(v) amount to 100 wt %; and the        composition has:    -   (a) a Retained MH from 95%, or 97%, to 98%, or 99%, or 100%        after heating at 70° C. for 21 days (hereafter referred to        Composition1).

In an embodiment, Compositon1 has all the aforementioned properties setforth in the preceding paragraph and the PAGC of Composition1 is asulfur-based antioxidant. In an further embodiment, the sulfur-baseantioxidant for Composition1 is distearyl thiodipropionate (DSTDP).

Not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed thatthe inclusion of the triorganophosphine in the present compositionprevents, or slows, the ionic decomposition of the organic peroxideconventionally caused by the presence of the PASC (and the presence ofPAGC in particular) in the composition. By stopping, or slowing theionic decomposition of the organic peroxide during the formation,storage, processing, and/or extrusion of the present composition, thetriorganophosphine advantageously enables the retention of the organicperoxide such that the organic peroxide is present and available forfree-radical crosslinking after extrusion of the present compositiononto a conductor. Without sufficient retention of the organic peroxideduring the formation, storage, processing, and/or extrusion of thepresent composition, a coating formed from the present composition wouldnot crosslink after being extruded onto a conductor.

The sum of the components in each of the compositions disclosed herein,including the foregoing compositions, yields 100 weight percent (wt %).

The composition may be formed by melt blending (such as by extrusion)all, or some, of the components. In an embodiment, the ethylene-basedpolymer, the triorganophosphine, the PASC, and the optional additive areextruded and pelletized. Then, the organic peroxide is imbibed in thepellets in a soaking step. The pellets containing all of the componentsmay be stored in bags, barrels, boxes, or railcars for a period of time.The pellets may be added to an extruder and extruded onto a surface of aconductor.

In an alternate embodiment, all of the components of the composition arecombined in an extruder, and the composition is extruded onto a surfaceof a conductor.

The composition may comprise two or more embodiments disclosed herein.

In an embodiment, the composition is crosslinked.

The composition may comprise two or more embodiments disclosed herein.

The present disclosure also provides a crosslinked product made byheating the composition to a temperature sufficient to crosslink thecomposition. The crosslinked product may be a coating on a conductor.

vii. Coated Conductor

The present disclosure also provides a coated conductor. The coatedconductor includes a conductor and a coating on the conductor, thecoating including a composition. The composition includes: (i) theethylene-based polymer; (ii) the organic peroxide; (iii) thetriorganophosphine; (iv) the PASC selected from a protic acid, a PAGC,and combinations thereof; and (v) optionally, an additive. Thetriorganophosphine has the Structure (1):

-   -   wherein R¹, R², and R³ each is independently selected from a        C₁-C₄₀ hydrocarbyl group, a C₁-C₄₀ heterohydrocarbyl group, and        combinations thereof;    -   with the proviso that the phosphorus atom is bound to a carbon        atom in each of R¹, R², and R³.

The composition, ethylene-based polymer, organic peroxide,triorganophosphine, PASC, and optional additive may be any respectiveethylene-based polymer, organic peroxide, triorganophosphine, PASC, andoptional additive disclosed herein.

In an embodiment, the coating includes a composition having a RetainedPeroxide Percentage from 2%, or 5%, or 8%, or 10%, or 15%, or 20%, or25%, or 30%, or 35%, or 40%, or 45%, or 50%, or 55%, or 60%, or 65%, or70%, or 75%, or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or 98% to 100%after heating at 100° C. for 2 hours. In a further embodiment thecomposition has a Retained Peroxide Percentage from 2% to 100%, or from20% to 100%, or from 50% to 100%, or from 70% to 100%, or from 80% to100%, or from 90% to 100% after heating at 100° C. for 2 hours.

In an embodiment, the coating includes a composition having a RetainedPeroxide Percentage from 10%, or 15%, or 20%, or 25%, or 30%, or 35%, or40%, or 45%, or 50%, or 55%, or 60%, or 65%, or 70%, or 75%, or 80%, or85%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or 98% to 100% after heating at 100° C. for1.5 hours.

In an embodiment, the coating includes a composition having a RetainedPeroxide Percentage from 20%, or 25%, or 30%, or 35%, or 40%, or 45%, or50%, or 55%, or 60%, or 65%, or 70%, or 75%, or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or95%, or 97%, or 98% to 100% after heating at 100° C. for 1.0 hours.

In an embodiment, the coating includes a composition having a RetainedPeroxide Percentage from 51%, or 53%, or 55%, or 60%, or 65%, or 70%, or75%, or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or 98% to 100% afterheating at 100° C. for 0.5 hours.

In an embodiment, the coating is an insulation sheath for a conductor.In another embodiment, the coating is a jacket for a conductor.

The process for producing a coated conductor includes heating thepresent composition to at least the melting temperature of theethylene-based polymer, and then extruding the polymeric melt blend ontothe conductor. The term “onto” includes direct contact or indirectcontact between the polymeric melt blend and the conductor. Thepolymeric melt blend is in an extrudable state.

The coating is located on the conductor. The coating may be one or moreinner layers such as an insulating layer. The coating may wholly orpartially cover or otherwise surround or encase the conductor. Thecoating may be the sole component surrounding the conductor. When thecoating is the sole component surrounding the conductor, the coating mayserve as a jacket and/or an insulation. In an embodiment, the coating isthe outermost layer on the coated conductor. Alternatively, the coatingmay be one layer of a multilayer jacket or sheath encasing the metalconductor. In an embodiment, the coating directly contacts theconductor. In another embodiment, the coating directly contacts aninsulation layer surrounding the conductor.

In an embodiment, the coating directly contacts the conductor. The term“directly contacts,” as used herein, is a coating configuration wherebythe coating is located immediately adjacent to the conductor, thecoating touches the conductor, and no intervening layers, no interveningcoatings, and/or no intervening structures, are present between thecoating and the conductor.

In another embodiment, the coating indirectly contacts the conductor.The term “indirectly contacts,” as used herein, is a coatingconfiguration whereby an intervening layer, an intervening coating, oran intervening structure, is present between the coating and theconductor. Examples of suitable intervening layers, interveningcoatings, and intervening structures include insulation layers, moisturebarrier layers, buffer tubes, and combinations thereof. Examples ofsuitable insulation layers include foamed insulation layers,thermoplastic insulation layers, crosslinked insulation layers, andcombinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the coating is an insulation layer of a high voltagepower transmission cable or an extra high voltage power transmissioncable.

The coating is crosslinked. In an embodiment, crosslinking of thepresent composition begins in the extruder, but only to a minimalextent. In another embodiment, crosslinking is delayed until thecomposition is extruded upon the conductor. Crosslinking of the presentcomposition can be initiated and/or accelerated through the applicationof heat or radiation. In an embodiment, after extrusion, the coatedconductor is conditioned at a temperature from 160° C., or 180° C. to200° C., or 400° C. in a continuous vulcanization tube.

In an embodiment, the coated conductor incudes, consists essentially of,or consists of a conductor and a coating on the conductor. The coatingincudes, consists essentially of, or consists of a composition. Thecomposition incudes, consists essentially of, or consists of: (i) from45 wt %, or 50 wt %, or 55 wt %, or 60 wt %, or 65 wt %, or 70 wt % to75 wt %, or 80 wt %, or 85 wt %, or 90 wt %, or 95 wt %, or 97 wt %, or99 wt %, or 99.96 wt % ethylene-based polymer; (ii) from 0.02 wt %, or0.05 wt %, or 0.1 wt %, or 0.5 wt %, or 1 wt % to 2 wt %, or 3 wt %, or4 wt %, or 5 wt % organic peroxide; (iii) from 0.001 wt %, or 0.003 wt%, or 0.005 wt %, or 0.007 wt %, or 0.01 wt %, or 0.05 wt %, or 0.1 wt%, or 0.2 wt %, or 0.3 wt %, or 0.4 wt %, or 0.5 wt % to 0.6 wt %, or0.7 wt %, or 0.8 wt %, or 0.9 wt %, or 1.0 wt % triorganophosphine; (iv)from 0.0001 wt %, or 0.001 wt %, or 0.01 wt %, or 0.05 wt %, or 0.1 wt%, or 0.5 wt %, or 1.0 wt %, or 5 wt %, or 10 wt %, or 15 wt % to 20 wt%, or 25 wt %, or 30 wt %, or 35 wt %, or 40 wt %, or 45 wt %, or 50 wt% PASC; (v) from 0 wt %, or greater than 0 wt %, or 0.001 wt %, 0.005 wt%, or 0.01 wt %, or 0.1 wt %, or 0.5 wt %, or 1.0 wt %, or 2.0 wt %, or3.0 wt %, or 4.0 wt %, or 5.0 wt % to 6.0 wt %, or 7.0 wt %, or 8.0 wt%, or 9.0 wt %, or 10.0 wt %, or 15.0 wt %, or 20.0 wt % additive, basedon the total weight of the composition; and the composition has one,some, or all, of the following properties: (a) a Retained PeroxidePercentage from 2%, or 5%, or 8%, or 10%, or 15%, or 20%, or 25%, or30%, or 35%, or 40%, or 45%, or 50%, or 55%, or 60%, or 65%, or 70%, or75%, or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or 98% to 100% afterheating at 100° C. for 2 hours; and/or (b) a Retained PeroxidePercentage from 10%, or 15%, or 20%, or 25%, or 30%, or 35%, or 40%, or45%, or 50%, or 55%, or 60%, or 65%, or 70%, or 75%, or 80%, or 85%, or90%, or 95%, or 97%, or 98% to 100% after heating at 100° C. for 1.5hours; and/or (c) a Retained Peroxide Percentage from 20%, or 25%, or30%, or 35%, or 40%, or 45%, or 50%, or 55%, or 60%, or 65%, or 70%, or75%, or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or 98% to 100% afterheating at 100° C. for 1.0 hours; and/or (d) a Retained PeroxidePercentage from 51%, or 53%, or 55%, or 60%, or 65%, or 70%, or 75%, or80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or 98% to 100% after heating at100° C. for 0.5 hours.

In an embodiment, the coated conductor incudes, consists essentially of,or consists of a conductor and a coating on the conductor. The coatingincudes, consists essentially of, or consists of a composition. Thecomposition incudes, consists essentially of, or consists of: (i) from45 wt %, or 50 wt %, or 55 wt %, or 60 wt %, or 65 wt %, or 70 wt % to75 wt %, or 80 wt %, or 85 wt %, or 90 wt %, or 95 wt %, or 97 wt %, or99 wt %, or 99.96 wt % ethylene-based polymer; (ii) from 0.02 wt %, or0.05 wt %, or 0.1 wt %, or 0.5 wt %, or 1 wt % to 2 wt %, or 3 wt %, or4 wt %, or 5 wt % organic peroxide; (iii) from 0.001 wt %, or 0.003 wt%, or 0.005 wt %, or 0.007 wt %, or 0.01 wt %, or 0.05 wt %, or 0.1 wt%, or 0.2 wt %, or 0.3 wt %, or 0.4 wt %, or 0.5 wt % to 0.6 wt %, or0.7 wt %, or 0.8 wt %, or 0.9 wt %, or 1.0 wt % triorganophosphine; (iv)from 0.0001 wt %, or 0.001 wt %, or 0.01 wt %, or 0.05 wt %, or 0.1 wt%, or 0.5 wt %, or 1.0 wt %, or 5 wt %, or 10 wt %, or 15 wt % to 20 wt%, or 25 wt %, or 30 wt %, or 35 wt %, or 40 wt %, or 45 wt %, or 50 wt% selected from a sulfonic acid, a sulfenic acid, a sulfinic acid, asulfur-based antioxidant, and combinations thereof; (v) from 0 wt %, orgreater than 0 wt %, or 0.001 wt %, 0.005 wt %, or 0.01 wt %, or 0.1 wt%, or 0.5 wt %, or 1.0 wt %, or 2.0 wt %, or 3.0 wt %, or 4.0 wt %, or5.0 wt % to 6.0 wt %, or 7.0 wt %, or 8.0 wt %, or 9.0 wt %, or 10.0 wt%, or 15.0 wt %, or 20.0 wt % additive, based on the total weight of thecomposition; and the composition has one, some, or all, of the followingproperties: (a) a Retained Peroxide Percentage from 2%, or 5%, or 8%, or10%, or 15%, or 20%, or 25%, or 30%, or 35%, or 40%, or 45%, or 50%, or55%, or 60%, or 65%, or 70%, or 75%, or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 95%, or97%, or 98% to 100% after heating at 100° C. for 2 hours; and/or (b) aRetained Peroxide Percentage from 10%, or 15%, or 20%, or 25%, or 30%,or 35%, or 40%, or 45%, or 50%, or 55%, or 60%, or 65%, or 70%, or 75%,or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or 98% to 100% after heating at100° C. for 1.5 hours; and/or (c) a Retained Peroxide Percentage from20%, or 25%, or 30%, or 35%, or 40%, or 45%, or 50%, or 55%, or 60%, or65%, or 70%, or 75%, or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or 98% to100% after heating at 100° C. for 1.0 hours; and/or (d) a RetainedPeroxide Percentage from 51%, or 53%, or 55%, or 60%, or 65%, or 70%, or75%, or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or 98% to 100% afterheating at 100° C. for 0.5 hours.

In an embodiment, the coating includes a composition containing fromgreater than 0.001 wt %, or 0.003 wt %, or 0.005 wt %, or 0.007 wt %, or0.009 wt %, or 0.01 wt %, or 0.04 wt %, or 0.05 wt %, or 0.09 wt %, or0.10 wt % to 0.50 wt %, or 1.0 wt % triorganophosphine, based on thetotal weight of the composition, and R¹, R², and R³ of Structure (1)each is a phenyl group. In another embodiment, the coating includes acomposition containing from greater than 0.001 wt % to 1.0 wt %, or fromgreater than 0.005 wt % to 1.0 wt %, or from greater than 0.01 wt % to1.0 wt %, or from greater than 0.05 wt % to 1.0 wt % triorganophosphine,based on the total weight of the composition, and R¹, R², and R³ ofStructure (1) each is a phenyl group. In an embodiment, the compositionhas a Retained Peroxide Percentage from 70%, or 80%, or 90%, or 95%, or97%, or 98%, or 98.2% to 100% after heating at 100° C. for 2 hours.

In an embodiment, the coating includes a composition containing from0.001 wt %, or 0.003 wt %, or 0.005 wt %, or 0.007 wt %, or 0.01 wt %,or 0.05 wt % to 1.0 wt % triorganophosphine, based on the total weightof the composition, and R¹, R², and R³ each is a p-tolyl group. In anembodiment, the composition has a Retained Peroxide Percentage from 20%,or 25%, or 30%, or 50%, or 60%, or 70%, or 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 91%to 100% after heating at 100° C. for 2 hours.

In an embodiment, the coating includes a composition containing from0.001 wt %, or 0.003 wt %, or 0.005 wt %, or 0.007 wt %, or 0.01 wt %,or 0.05 wt % to 1.0 wt % triorganophosphine, based on the total weightof the composition, and R¹, R², and R³ each is a cyclohexyl group. In anembodiment, the composition has a Retained Peroxide Percentage from 10%,or 15%, or 20%, or 50%, or 60%, or 70%, or 80%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%to 100% after heating at 100° C. for 2 hours.

In an embodiment, the coating includes a composition containing from0.001 wt %, or 0.003 wt %, or 0.005 wt %, or 0.007 wt %, or 0.01 wt %,or 0.05 wt % to 1.0 wt % triorganophosphine, based on the total weightof the composition, and R¹, R², and R³ each is an n-octyl group. In anembodiment, the composition has a Retained Peroxide Percentage from 15%,or 20%, or 24%, or 30%, or 50%, or 60%, or 70%, or 80%, or 90%, or 95%,98% to 100% after heating at 100° C. for 2 hours.

In an embodiment, the coating includes a composition containing from0.001 wt %, or 0.003 wt %, or 0.005 wt %, or 0.007 wt %, or 0.01 wt %,or 0.05 wt % to 1.0 wt % triorganophosphine, based on the total weightof the composition, and R¹, R², and R³ each is a 2-furyl group. In anembodiment, the composition has a Retained Peroxide Percentage from 2%,or 5%, or 6%, or 7%, or 8%, or 10%, or 30%, or 50%, or 55%, or 59%, or60%, or 62% to 100% after heating at 100° C. for 2 hours.

In an embodiment, the coated conductor includes a conductor and acoating on the conductor. The coating includes a composition containing:

-   -   (i) from 45 wt %, or 50 wt %, or 55 wt %, or 60 wt %, or 65 wt        %, or 70 wt % to 75 wt %, or 80 wt %, or 85 wt %, or 90 wt %, or        95 wt %, or 97 wt %, or 98 wt %, or 99 wt % ethylene-based        polymer;    -   (ii) from 0.02 wt %, or 0.05 wt %, or 0.1 wt %, or 0.5 wt %, or        1 wt % to 2 wt %, or 3 wt %, or 4 wt %, or 5 wt % organic        peroxide;    -   (iii) from 0.001 wt %, or 0.003 wt %, or 0.005 wt %, or 0.007 wt        %, or 0.01 wt %, or 0.05 wt %, or 0.1 wt %, or 0.2 wt %, or 0.3        wt %, or 0.4 wt %, or 0.5 wt % to 0.6 wt %, or 0.7 wt %, or 0.8        wt %, or 0.9 wt %, or 1.0 wt % triorganophosphine;    -   (iv) from 0.0001 wt %, or 0.001 wt %, or 0.01 wt %, or 0.05 wt        %, or 0.1 wt %, or 0.5 wt %, or 1.0 wt %, or 5 wt %, or 10 wt %,        or 15 wt % to 20 wt %, or 25 wt %, or 30 wt %, or 35 wt %, or 40        wt %, or 45 wt %, or 50 wt % PASC that is a PAGC;    -   (v) from 0 wt %, or greater than 0 wt %, or 0.001 wt %, 0.005 wt        %, or 0.01 wt %, or 0.1 wt %, or 0.5 wt %, or 1.0 wt %, or 2.0        wt %, or 3.0 wt %, or 4.0 wt %, or 5.0 wt % to 6.0 wt %, or 7.0        wt %, or 8.0 wt %, or 9.0 wt %, or 10.0 wt %, or 15.0 wt %, or        20.0 wt % additive, based on the total weight of the composition        wherein the aggregate of components (i)-(v) amount to 100 wt %;        and the composition has:    -   (a) a Retained MH from 80%, or 85%, or 90%, or 95%, or 97%, or        98% to 100% after heating at 70° C. for 21 days.

In an embodiment, the coating on the conductor includes a compositioncontaining:

-   -   (i) from 95 wt %, or 96 wt %, or 97 wt %, to 98 wt %, or 99 wt %        ethylene-based polymer;    -   (ii) from 0.05 wt %, or 0.1 wt %, or 0.5 wt %, or 1 wt % to 2 wt        %, or 3 wt % or 4 wt %, or 5 wt %, organic peroxide;    -   (iii) from 0.003 wt %, or 0.005 wt %, or 0.007 wt %, or 0.01 wt        %, or 0.05 wt %, or 0.1 wt %, or 0.2 wt %, or 0.3 wt %, or 0.4        wt %, or 0.5 wt % to 0.6 wt %, or 0.7 wt %, triorganophosphine;    -   (iv) from 0.1 wt %, or 0.2 wt %, or 0.25 wt % to 0.3 wt %, or        0.4 wt %, or 0.5 wt % PAGC;    -   (v) from 0 wt %, or greater than 0 wt %, or 0.001 wt %, 0.005 wt        %, or 0.01 wt %, or 0.1 wt %, or 0.5 wt %, or 1.0 wt %,        additive, based on the total weight of the composition wherein        the aggregate of components (i)-(v) amount to 100 wt %; and the        composition has:    -   (a) a Retained MH from 95%, or 97%, to 98%, or 99%, or 100%        after heating at 70° C. for 21 days (hereafter referred to        Composition1).

In an embodiment, Compositon1 has all the aforementioned properties setforth in the preceding paragraph and the PAGC of Composition1 is asulfur-based antioxidant. In an further embodiment, the sulfur-baseantioxidant for Composition1 is distearyl thiodipropionate (DSTDP).

In an embodiment, the coated conductor is selected from a fiber opticcable, a communications cable (such as a telephone cable or a local areanetwork (LAN) cable), a power cable, wiring for consumer electronics, apower cable, a power charger wire for cell phones and/or computers,computer data cords, power cords, appliance wiring material, homeinterior wiring material, consumer electronic accessory cords, and anycombination thereof.

In another embodiment, the present composition is melt-shaped into anarticle other than a coating on a conductor, e.g., an electricalconnector or a component of an electrical connector.

The coated conductor may comprise two or more embodiments disclosedherein.

By way of example, and not limitation, some embodiments of the presentdisclosure will now be described in detail in the following Examples.

Examples

The materials used in the examples are provided in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1 Materials Component Specification Source triphenylphosphine

Sigma-Aldrich tri(cyclohexyl)phosphine

Sigma-Aldrich tri(n-octyl)phosphine

TCl America tri(p-tolyl)phosphine

Arcos Organics tris(2-furyl)phosphine

Sigma-Aldrich dicumyl peroxide (DCP) organic peroxide CAS Number 80-43-3Sigma-Aldrich dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid protic acid CAS Number121-65-3 Sigma-Aldrich (DBSA)

The following three types of Stock Solutions are prepared and used formaking Sample Solutions: (i) a solution of dicumyl peroxide (DCP) indodecane at 0.1154 M (Stock Solution A); (ii) a solution ofdodecylbenzene sulfonic acid (DBSA) in dodecane at 0.00346 M (StockSolution B); and (iii) a solution containing 0.1 wt % of atriorganophosphine in 0.1154 M DCP solution in dodecane (Stock SolutionC). Stock Solution C is stirred in an oil bath set at 80° C. (for 1-2minutes) to ensure complete dissolution of the triorganophosphine.

The Sample Solutions and Comparative Solutions are formed in 6 dramglass vials. Dodecane simulates the properties of (that is, serves as amodel for) the ethylene-based polymer. The solutions are stirred with amagnetic stir bar. The composition of each solution is provided in Table2 below.

Comparative Solution 1 (CS 1) is prepared by adding 2 mL of StockSolution A, and 2 mL of Stock Solution B to a glass vial and mixing witha magnetic stir bar at room temperature. The total volume of CS 1 is 4mL. CS 1 contains 0.0577 M DCP (equivalent to 2 wt % DCP) and 0.00173 MDBSA. CS 1 contains no triorganophosphine. The composition of CS 1 isprovided in Table 2 below.

Comparative Solution 2 (CS 2) is prepared by adding 2 mL of StockSolution A and 2 mL dodecane to a glass vial and mixing with a magneticstir bar at room temperature. The total volume of CS 2 is 4 mL. CS 2contains 0.0577 M DCP (equivalent to 2 wt % DCP). CS 2 contains notriorganophosphine and no DBSA. The composition of CS 2 is provided inTable 2 below.

Sample Solutions 1-5, 9-10, 12-13, 15-16 and 18-19 each is prepared byadding 2 mL of Stock Solution B, X mL of Stock Solution C, and (2-X) mLof Stock Solution A to a glass vial and mixing with a magnetic stir barat room temperature, wherein X is equal to 10 multiplied by the weightpercent concentration of triorganophosphine. For example, to prepare aSample Solution containing 0.05 wt % triorganophosphine, 2 mL of StockSolution B is mixed with 1.5 mL of Stock Solution A and 0.5 mL of StockSolution C. The composition of Sample Solutions 1-5, 9-10, 12-13, 15-16and 18-19 is provided in Table 2 below.

Sample Solutions 6-8, 11, 14, 17, and 20 each is prepared by adding 2 mLof Stock Solution A and 2 mL of Stock Solution B to a glass vial andmixing with a magnetic stir bar at room temperature. Triorganophosphineis added to the contents of the glass vial. The composition of SampleSolutions 6-8, 11, 14, 17, and 20 is provided in Table 2 below.

Then, the glass vials are immersed in a well-stirred (500 rpm) bath ofsilicon oil maintained at a temperature of 100° C. on a Corning™ PC-420Dstirring hot plate. The Comparative Solutions and Sample Solutions eachis heated to a temperature of 100° C., and maintained at 100° C., whilemixing, and 600 μl aliquots are taken after a period of 2 minutes (atwhich point there is complete dissolution of the triorganophosphine inthe solution), 0.5 hours, 1.0 hours, 1.5 hours, and 2.0 hours. TheComparative Solutions and Sample Solutions each is heated in the glassvial without a cap or lid (in other words, each solution is exposed tothe atmosphere while heating).

Each 600 μl aliquot taken from a glass vial is placed in a 1.5 mL minicentrifuge tube, cooled in an ice bath for 7-10 minutes, and centrifugedin a VWR Galaxy Mini Centrifuge, Model C1413, at an rpm of 6,000. Then,a 350 μl clear fraction is taken from each aliquot and combined with 700μl of i-propanol and analyzed with liquid chromatography to determinethe concentration of DCP present in the fraction (Shimadzu LC-20ADLiquid Chromatograph with SPD-20A UV Visible detector set at 210 nm; thecolumn is a Waters SunFire C18 2.1 mm×50 mm column with a 3.5 μmparticle size; the mobile phase is 75% methanol/25% water at a flow rateof 0.25 mL/minute). The amount of DCP in the sample solution measuredafter 2 minutes at 100° C. is referred to as the initial DCP amount.

The Retained Dicumyl Peroxide (DCP) Percentage is calculated inaccordance with the following Equation (1A):

$\begin{matrix}{{{Retained}{DCP}{Percentage}(\%)} = {\left( \frac{\begin{matrix}{{wt}\%{DCP}{at}} \\{{time} = {t{hours}}}\end{matrix}}{\begin{matrix}{{wt}\%{DCP}{at}} \\{{time} = {2\min}}\end{matrix}} \right) \times 100}} & {{Equation}\left( {1A} \right)}\end{matrix}$

-   -   wherein t=0.5 hours, 1.0 hours, 1.5 hours, or 2.0 hours.

For example, after heating at 100° C. for 2 hours, Solution 1 contains0.1615 wt % DCP. The initial amount of DCP (i.e., after 2 minutes at100° C.) in Solution 1 is 1.9880 wt %. Thus, the Retained DCP Percentageof Solution 1 after heating at 100° C. for 2 hours is calculated inaccordance with the following Equation (1B):

$\begin{matrix}{{{Retained}{DCP}{Percentage}{Solution}1(\%)} = {\left( \frac{{0.1}615{wt}\%}{1.988{wt}\%} \right) \times 100.}} & {{Equation}\left( {1B} \right)}\end{matrix}$

The Retained DCP Percentage of Solution 1 after heating at 100° C. for 2hours is 8.12%.

The properties of the Sample Solutions and Comparative Solutions areprovided in Table 2 below.

TABLE 2 dicumyl dodecylbenzene Triphenyl- tri(cyclohexyl) tri(n-octyl)tri(p-tolyl) tris(2-furyl) peroxide sulfonic acid phosphine phosphinephosphine phosphine phosphine (DCP) (DBSA) wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt %wt % (mol %) (mol %) (mol %) (mol %) (mol %) (mol %) (mol %) CS 1 — — —— — 2.0080 0.0738 (1.2950) (0.0388) CS 2 — — — — — 1.9511 — (1.2382)Solution 1 0.0048 — — — — 1.9880 0.0738 (0.0033) (1.2622) (0.0388)Solution 2 0.0095 — — — — 2.0296 0.0738 (0.0065) (1.2889) (0.0388)Solution 3 0.0191 — — — — 2.0425 0.0738 (0.0131) (1.2972) (0.0388)Solution 4 0.0286 — — — — 2.0361 0.0738 (0.0196) (1.2931) (0.0388)Solution 5 0.0477 — — — — 1.9744 0.0738 (0.0327) (1.2537) (0.0388)Solution 6 0.1000 — — — — 1.9070 0.0738 (0.0655) (1.2109) (0.0388)Solution 7 0.4978 — — — — 1.9558 0.0735 (0.3263) (1.2438) (0.0387)Solution 8 0.9903 — — — — 1.9796 0.0731 (0.6504) (1.2613) (0.0386)Solution 9 — 0.0089 — — — 2.0013 0.0738 (0.0061) (1.2707) (0.0388)Solution 10 — 0.050 — — — 1.9585 0.0738 (0.0306) (1.2436) (0.0388)Solution 11 — 0.100 — — — 1.9475 0.0738 (0.0612) (1.2368) (0.0388)Solution 12 — — 0.0066 — — 1.8774 0.0739 (0.0046) (1.1915) (0.0388)Solution 13 — — 0.050 — — 1.8581 0.0739 (0.0232) (1.1795) (0.0389)Solution 14 — — 0.100 — — 1.8691 0.0739 (0.0464) (1.1869) (0.0388)Solution 15 — — — 0.0082 — 1.9355 0.0739 (0.0056) (1.2287) (0.0388)Solution 16 — — — 0.050 — 2.0048 0.0738 (0.0282) (1.2732) (0.0388)Solution 17 — — — 0.100 — 2.0038 0.0738 (0.0564) (1.2729) (0.0388)Solution 18 — — — — 0.0108 1.8144 0.0740 (0.0074) (1.1513) (0.0389)Solution 19 — — — — 0.0539 1.8360 0.0739 (0.0370) (1.1652) (0.0388)Solution 20 — — — — 0.100 1.9559 0.0738 (0.0739) (1.2420) (0.0388)Retained DCP Percentage (%) Dodecane Total 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 wt % wt %hours hours hours hours (mol %) (mol %) @100° C. @100° C. @100° C. @100°C. CS 1 97.9182 100 50.43 18.64 5.70 0.44 (98.6861) (100) CS 2 98.0489100 100 100 100 100 (98.7618) (100) Solution 1 97.9335 100 64.64 28.2115.02 8.12 (98.6956) (100) Solution 2 97.8870 100 68.29 34.76 21.0612.59 (98.6657) (100) Solution 3 97.8646 100 85.55 64.87 53.64 44.97(98.6510) (100) Solution 4 97.8615 100 94.55 86.02 83.29 81.90 (98.6485)(100) Solution 5 97.9041 100 99.54 98.10 97.73 100 (98.6748) (100)Solution 6 97.9191 100 100 100 100 100 (98.6848) (100) Solution 797.4728 100 98.32 100 100 100 (98.3911) (100) Solution 8 96.9570 100 10093.23 100 100 (98.0498) (100) Solution 9 97.9160 100 63.33 35.18 19.7916.17 (98.6843) (100) Solution 10 97.9177 100 99.29 96.76 95.04 95.09(98.6870) (100) Solution 11 97.8787 100 98.72 98.04 97.76 97.75(98.6631) (100) Solution 12 97.0419 100 75.83 47.84 29.23 24.24(98.7650) (100) Solution 13 98.0179 100 97.54 98.38 98.65 98.40(98.7584) (100) Solution 14 97.9569 100 97.48 96.82 96.67 100.0(98.7279) (100) Solution 15 97.9824 100 72.40 50.94 35.70 30.77(98.7268) (100) Solution 16 97.8714 100 87.84 84.67 89.35 89.46(98.6597) (100) Solution 17 97.8225 100 89.05 86.68 90.09 91.19(98.6319) (100) Solution 18 98.1009 100 52.72 23.61 10.03 7.20 (98.8025)(100) Solution 19 98.0400 100 84.11 71.27 65.10 59.07 (98.7589) (100)Solution 20 97.8703 100 89.06 74.47 68.73 62.80 (98.6452) (100)

CS 1 is a comparative solution containing (i) dodecane (to simulate theethylene-based polymer); (ii) dicumyl peroxide (DCP); and (iii)dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid (DBSA)—and no triorganophosphine. As shownin Table 2, CS 1 exhibits a Retained Peroxide (here, DCP) Percentage ofonly 0.44% after heating at 100° C. for 2 hours. Thus, CS 1 does notretain a suitable concentration of organic peroxide after heating at100° C. for 2 hours to enable crosslinking of the composition.Consequently, CS 1 is representative of a peroxide-containing polymercomposition that is not suitable for wire and cable applications, aswell as other applications.

CS 2 is a comparative composition containing (i) dodecane (to simulatethe ethylene-based polymer) and (ii) dicumyl peroxide (DCP)—and notriorganophosphine or DBSA. Thus, CS 2 lacks a protic acid-sourcecompound (PASC) that causes ionic decomposition of the DCP.

Applicant unexpectedly found that a composition (Solutions 1-20)containing (i) dodecane (to simulate the ethylene-based polymer); (ii)dicumyl peroxide (DCP); (iii) a triorganophosphine (triphenylphosphine,tri(p-tolyl)phosphine, tri(cyclohexyl)phosphine, tri(n-octyl)phosphine,or tris(2-furyl)phosphine); and (iv) dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid (DBSA)advantageously exhibits a Retained Peroxide (here, DCP) Percentage ofgreater than 8%, and in some cases, greater than 98%, after heating at100° C. for 2 hours. Consequently, Solutions 1-20 are representative ofperoxide-containing polymer compositions that are suitable for wire andcable applications, as well as other applications.

Ethylene-Based Polymer Compositions

Masterbatches of additives in an ethylene-based polymer (low densitypolyethylene; LDPE; 0.921 g/cc, 2 g/10 min melt index measured at 190°C. with 2.16 kg load) are prepared using a 420 mL BRABENDER™ mixing bowlat 180° C., 30 revolutions per minute (rpm), with cam rotors, totalmixing time of 5 minutes from the time of loading. The composition ofeach masterbatch (MB) is shown in Table 3 below.

TABLE 3 Masterbatches wt % (wt % based on total weight MB) DSTDP TPPUvinul MB MB 4050 MB LDPE 99.0 99.0 99.0 Cyanox STDP Distearyl 1.0Thiodipropionate (DSTDP) Triphenyl phosphine (TPP) 1.0 Uvinul 4050 FF(hindered 1.0 amine light stabilizer, HALS) Total 100.0 100.0 100.0

A “solids” mixture of the ingredients is made in a container, and this“solids” mixture is subsequently loaded in the Brabender mixing bowl andmelt-mixed to prepare the MB. The polymer melt is taken out of themixing bowl, flattened to solid form in a cool press, cut into smallstrips using a guillotine plaque cutter, and then pelletized into smallpieces using a BERLYN™ pelletizer. The small pieces are fed to aBRABENDER™ single screw extruder operating with a conventional conveyingscrew at 40 rpm, with a set barrel temperature of 130° C. across allzones and the head/die. The resulting polymer strand is cut into uniformpellets using the BERLYN™ pelletizer, to make pellets of the MB.

Next, the masterbatches are melt mixed with the same LDPE as mentionedabove, in the proportions shown in Table 4, using a twin-screw extruderat 60 rpm with all zones set at 120° C. (resulting in melt temperatureof about 140° C.) and 60 mesh screenpack, to make strands that areconverted to pellets of “intermediate” compounds.

TABLE 4 “Intermediate” Compounds wt % (wt % based on total weightintermediate compound) LDPE + 0.25 wt % LDPE + 0.25 wt % LDPE + 0.25 wt% LDPE + 0.25 wt % LDPE + 0.25 wt % DSTDP + 0.005 wt % DSTDP + 0.01 wt %DSTDP + 0.10 wt % DSTDP + 0.50 wt % DSTDP + 0.005 wt % TPP TPP TPP TPPUvinul 4050 LDPE 74.03 73.52 64.36 23.62 74.03 DSTDP MB 25.46 25.4625.46 25.46 25.46 TPP MB 0.51 1.02 10.18 50.92 Uvinul 4050 MB 0.51 Total100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

Next, 1.8 g of an organic peroxide is soaked into 98.2 g of each“intermediate” compound, to make “fully-formulated” compounds of thecompositions shown in Table 5. In Inventive Compounds 1 to 5, DSTDPfunctions as a PAGC.

TABLE 5 “Fully Formulated” Compounds and MH after Prolonged Storage at70° C. Inventive Inventive Inventive Inventive Comparative Compound 1Compound 2 Compound 3 Compound 4 Compound wt % (wt % based on totalweight fully formulated compound) LDPE + 1.8 wt % LDPE + 1.8 wt % LDPE +1.8 wt % LDPE + 1.8 wt % LDPE + 1.8 wt % DCP + 0.25 wt % DCP + 0.25 wt %DCP + 0.25 wt % DCP + 0.25 wt % DCP + 0.25 wt % DSTDP + 0.005 wt %DSTDP + 0.01 wt % DSTDP + 0.10 wt % DSTDP + 0.50 wt % DSTDP + 0.005 wt %TPP TPP TPP TPP Uvinul 4050 LDPE 72.70 72.20 63.20 23.19 72.70 DSTDP MB25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 TPP MB 0.50 1.00 10.00 50.00 Uvinul 4050MB 0.50 Perkadox BC-FF 1.80 1.80 1.80 1.80 1.80 Dicumyl Peroxide (DCP)Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 MH (lb in) at 180° C. - 3.713.77 3.78 3.65 3.54 after 21 days at 70° C. Retained MH 100% 100% 100%100% 100%

In Table 5 above, the Retained MH Percentage is calculated in accordancewith the following Equation (2):

$\begin{matrix}{{{Retained}{MH}{Percentage}(\%)} = {\left( \frac{\begin{matrix}{{{MH}{at}{time}} =} \\{t21{days}}\end{matrix}}{\begin{matrix}{{{MH}{at}{time}} =} \\{t0{hr}}\end{matrix}} \right) \times 100}} & {{Equation}(2)}\end{matrix}$

-   -   wherein t=21 days at 70° C.

By way of example, the Retained MH percentage for Inventive Compound 1is calculated in accordance with the following Equation (2A):

$\begin{matrix}{{{Retained}{MH}(\%)} = {\left( \frac{\begin{matrix}{3.7{lb}{}{{in}@}} \\{t = {21{days}}}\end{matrix}}{\begin{matrix}{3.7{}{lb}{{in}@}} \\{t = {0{hrs}}}\end{matrix}} \right) \times 100.\left( {{retention}{after}21{days}} \right)}} & {{Equation}\left( {2A} \right)}\end{matrix}$

The Retained MH % for Inventive Compound 1 is 100%.

After aging at 70° C. for 21 days, fully formulated compounds 1,2,3, and4 each exhibit 100% Retained MH.

Bounded by no particular theory, it is believed that oxidationbyproducts of DSTDP form acidic species, which can cause non-productivenon-free radical decomposition of the peroxide crosslinking agent. Thistype of deleterious effect is taught in patent applicationWO2016204951A1, which shows that: (a) DSTDP can have a deleteriouseffect on retained degree of crosslinking (as measured by maximumtorque, MH, using a moving die rheometer) after prolonged storage at anelevated temperature of 70° C.; and (b) that the inclusion of Uvinul4050 improves the retention of MH over time at an elevated temperatureof 70° C.

In Table 5 above, the Comparative Compound contained Uvinul 4050.Although Inventive Compounds 1 to 4 did not contain Uvinul 4050, theystill exhibited the same degree, or a higher degree, of crosslinkingafter prolonged storage at 70° C. The Retained MH values reflect theamount of peroxide present in the formulation at the time of the test,with greater values of MH corresponding to more peroxide being present.Each of Inventive Compounds 1-4 exhibited 100% Retain MH indicating all,or substantially all, the peroxide remains present in the inventivecompositions.

It is specifically intended that the present disclosure not be limitedto the embodiments and illustrations contained herein, but includemodified forms of those embodiments including portions of theembodiments and combinations of elements of different embodiments ascome within the scope of the following claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A composition comprising: (i) anethylene-based polymer, wherein the ethylene-based polymer is from 23.19wt % to 90 wt % based on the total weight of the composition; (ii) anorganic peroxide; (iii) a triorganophosphine having a Structure (1):

wherein R¹, R², and R³ each is independently selected from the groupconsisting of a C₁-C₄₀ hydrocarbyl group, a C₁-C₄₀ heterohydrocarbylgroup, and combinations thereof; with the proviso that the phosphorusatom is bound to a carbon atom in each of R¹, R², and R³; and (iv) aprotic acid-source compound (“PASC”) selected from the group consistingof a protic acid, a protic acid-generator compound (“PAGC”), andcombinations thereof.
 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the PASC isthe protic acid; and the composition has a Retained Peroxide Percentagefrom 70% to 100% after heating at 100° C. for 2 hours.
 3. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the PASC is the protic acid, and theprotic acid is selected from the group consisting of a sulfonic acid, asulfenic acid, a sulfinic acid, a carboxylic acid, a phosphorus-basedacid, and a combination thereof.
 4. The composition of claim 1 whereinthe PASC is the PAGC, and the PAGC comprises an antioxidant (AO).
 5. Thecomposition of claim 4 wherein the AO is a sulfur-based antioxidant. 6.The composition of claim 1, wherein R¹, R², and R³ each is independentlyselected from the group consisting of a phenyl group, a p-tolyl group, a2-furyl group, a cyclohexyl group, and an n-octyl group.
 7. Thecomposition of claim 6, wherein R¹, R², and R³ are the same.
 8. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the organic peroxide is dicumylperoxide.
 9. The composition of claim 1, wherein the compositioncomprises from greater than 0.001 wt % to 1.0 wt % of thetriorganophosphine having the Structure (1), based on the total weightof the composition; and R¹, R², and R³ each is a phenyl group.
 10. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises from 0.001 wt% to 1.0 wt % of the triorganophosphine having the Structure (1), basedon the total weight of the composition; and R¹, R², and R³ each is ap-tolyl group.
 11. The composition of claim 1, wherein the compositioncomprises from 0.001 wt % to 1.0 wt % of the triorganophosphine havingthe Structure (1), based on the total weight of the composition; and R¹,R², and R³ each is a 2-furyl group.
 12. The composition of claim 1,wherein the composition comprises from 0.001 wt % to 1.0 wt % of thetriorganophosphine having the Structure (1), based on the total weightof the composition; and R¹, R², and R³ each is a cyclohexyl group or isan n-octyl group.
 13. The composition of claim 1, wherein the PASC is aPAGC; and the composition has a Retained MH of 100% after heating at 70°C. for 21 days.
 14. A crosslinked product made by heating thecomposition of claim 1 to a temperature sufficient to crosslink thecomposition.
 15. A coated conductor comprising: a conductor; and acoating on the conductor, the coating comprising the composition of thecrosslinked product of claim
 14. 16. A coated conductor comprising: aconductor; and a coating on the conductor, the coating comprising thecomposition of claim
 1. 17. The composition of claim 1 comprising from45 wt % to 90 wt % of the ethylene-based polymer.